v.
(develops, developing, developed)
- grow or cause to grow and become larger or more advanced.
- convert (land) to a new purpose, especially by constructing buildings.
- start to exist, experience, or possess:
I developed an interest in law.
- treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image.
- Chess bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on a player's back rank.
Derivative
- developable adj.
- developer n.
Etymology
C17 (in the sense ‘unfold, unfurl’): from Fr. développer, based on L. dis- ‘un-’ + a second element of unknown origin found also in envelop.